Life as Self-Regulating Identity Under Change: A Structural Definition Based on Preserved Coherence and Constrained Transformation

This white paper introduces a domain-independent structural definition of life within the broader framework of identity as preserved coherence under change. In this framework, systems persist as identities when successive configurations maintain sufficient relational overlap within tolerance limits. While this condition explains stability and continuity, it is shown to be insufficient to distinguish living from non-living systems. The paper introduces an additional structural condition: living systems are characterised by internally constrained transformation, such that the system contributes to maintaining its own coherence under change. This is formalised through: - internal dependence of transformation,-…